Sharing Knowledge, Building Bonds: Macedonia Participates in Military Exchange Program

Photo By Lance Cpl. John Faria | Maj. Patrick Davis, the 8th Communication Battalion operations officer, and Macedonian...... read more read more

Photo By Lance Cpl. John Faria | Maj. Patrick Davis, the 8th Communication Battalion operations officer, and Macedonian army Capt. Dejan Stojshevski, a platoon commander with the Macedonian Signal Platoon, Signal Company, converse during the Macedonian's five-day visit through the military to military exchange program. This exchange helped prepare Macedonia for the possibility of an expanded role in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Although Macedonia is currently aligned with NATO through the Partnership for Peace initiative, Macedonian forces are in the process of upgrading their communications equipment to better integrate with NATO forces as they lobby for full membership.  see less | View Image Page

CAMP LEJEUNE, NORTH CAROLINA, UNITED STATES

06.29.2009

Story by Lance Cpl. John Faria 

II Marine Expeditionary Force   

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MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. — Two members of the Macedonian army's signal corps participated in a military to military exchange program here, June 20-26.

The Macedonian communication experts worked with 8th Communications Battalion, II Marine Expeditionary Force, during Exercise Sledgehammer 3, which gave them a chance to witness the full range of Marine communications capabilities at use in field conditions.

"[The Macedonian visitors] asked us to tailor the training toward platoon-level operations. So, we've been working closely with [Company A] and support companies, to show them the way we do business," said Master Sgt. Raymond Adams, the 8th Communications Battalion operations chief, who served as the Macedonian's liaison. "This way, they can go back and say 'Hey, this is how the Marines organize.' What we've come to find out is it is generally the same way they do things in Macedonia."

This exchange helped prepare Macedonia for the possibility of an expanded role in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Although Macedonia is currently aligned with NATO through the Partnership for Peace initiative, Macedonian forces are in the process of upgrading their communications equipment to better integrate with NATO forces as they lobby for full membership.

Macedonia only formally gained its independence in 1991, but the country has cooperated with America in combat operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and Bulgaria.

"I would say that we (Americans) have the number one communications capabilities in the world," said Maj. Patrick Davis, operations officer, 8th Communications Battalion. "Right now, they are keen to look at our communications equipment, and they're getting a thorough indoctrination in what capabilities exist to support the warfighter."

NATO currently includes 28 full-member states from Albania to the United States, so having compatible communications gear is crucial to military success.

"Marines are well-trained, well-equipped, and I think with this equipment, everything will run smoothly," said Macedonian army Capt. Dejan Stojshevski, a platoon commander with the Macedonian Signal Platoon, Signal Company. "You have so much to show us, but we keep in mind that we have only five days. So, for those days, we learned all we could, and it was presented by well-trained people, so I am satisfied. We've learned a lot of things here, and I'll work to improve our knowledge concerning communications."

Macedonians and Americans alike gained technical and tactical skills through the exchange, but the most lasting contribution might be the closer partnership between our two nations.

"I learned that we could work together very easily because we're organized in the same manner, and that's good to know," said Adams. "It's been a pleasure having them here. Learning from them, and learning about their culture. Hopefully, I get another chance to do a military to military exchange one day."